Resume & Awards

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

2016-2019

Created and directed original performances in collaboration with Zig Wajler for summer program “Nature Rocks,” funded by the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.

The No Limits Theater Company, The Arc of Walton County

2013 – 2017

Produced and directed plays of Shakespeare as well as original oral history “We Were Soldiers Too.” Florida performances at the Fort Walton Beach Civil Center; the University of Florida’s Hilton Conference Center; Seaside; Miramar Beach, various venues in DeFuniak Springs.

Artist-in-Residence, Lackawanna County Prison*

2006-2013

Conducted numerous writing workshops and acting classes for county, state and federal inmates (male and female); shaped and directed five theatrical performances of both original work and the classics for public and internal productions. Along with visual artist, Elizabeth Parry-Faist, inmate art and theatrical
performance was highlighted at Marywood University and the “First Friday” Art Exhibition in downtown Scranton.

Artist-In-Residence, Drug Court Program*

2010-2011

Worked with women enrolled in Judge Barrasse’s Drug Treatment Program, teaching both acting and writing.

Arts Alive Theater Director*

1999-2014

Beginning 8th summer as theater director for high school students, including adjudicated and at-risk youth.

ArtSave Theater Director*

2002-2003 and 2008-2010

Writing and acting coach for year-round (one weekend a month) arts program aimed primarily at at-risk youth and adjudicated youth.

Artist-In-Residence, High Schools*

1999-2013

Theater artist at numerous NEPA schools, including the following schools with high at-risk population: Dickson Center, Wyoming Valley West Alternative School, NEIU 19 Charter School, Lourdsmont School, John Adams Elementary School.

Performing Arts High School, Town Hall, New York City

1998-1999

Worked with at-risk youth as theater instructor and director with Young Audiences, New York.
*Made possible with funding from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Northeastern
Intermediate Unit 19.

Awards and Honors

  • •Recipient of Community Service Award from the Arc of Walton County for serving as Artistic Director (2013-2017).
  • 2007 Recipient of Scranton Area Foundation Grant for work with former inmates performing original work in “Women on the Inside.”
  • 2008 Interdependence Day “Outstanding Community Partnership” award for the Women’s Lackawanna County Prison Art Class, taught with Elizabeth Parry-Faist.
  • Nancy Hasty is the 2009-2010 “Artist of the Year”, presented by the Northeastern Intermediate Unit 19, celebrating more her work with students of all ages, including at-risk and prison populations. Ms. Hasty is a “Pennsylvania Council of the ARTS” (PCA) Rostered Artist.
  • Lackawanna County Prison Arts Class was awarded an exhibition and performance, titled “LOCKED DOWN” at Marywood University Suraci Gallery in 2009.
  • For the past two years, the Scranton Public Library has extended an invitation for inmates to participate in this national program. While reading “The Grapes of Wrath,” inmates created responsive visual and literary artwork. As well as creating art from “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien in 2010.
  • Inmates were asked via the arts class to design and paint bowls to benefit the Meals on Wheels of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
  • Ken Marquis has opened “The Landfill Arts Project” to inmates at the Lackawanna County Prison. Their art is currently on display at Marquis Art Gallery in Wilkes-Barre and will also be published in the “Landfill Arts” book.